The Bad Always Die Twice (Nikki Harper Mysteries #1) by Cheryl Crane

Oct 28, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun read. When it comes to the backside of Hollywood, you have to admit that Cheryl Crane, daughter of screen legend Lana Turner, really knows her stuff. The Bad Always Die Twice is a Hollywood murder mystery with all of the fun details that only an insider would know.

Nikki Harper is a Hollywood real estate agent, selling those megamillion dollar mansions in the hills with her partner, Jessica Martin. They are young, pretty, celebrity-savvy girls:

“One of Jessica’s most endearing quali...more

like · see review

Jul 06, 2012 Grace rated it 3 of 5 stars

Author: Cheryl Crane
Title: The Bad Always Die Twice
Description: Nikki Harper is a Hollywood real estate agent who is the daughter of Victoria Bourdeaux, a glamorous fifties movie star. Cheryl Crane is a real estate agent who is the daughter of Lana Turner. Make of this what you will. So Nikki is investigating the death of a rascal who supposedly died six months earlier in a plane crash, but ended up stabbed through the eye in her best friend’s bed.
Review source: I think I got this ARC at ALA la...more

like · see review

Jan 21, 2012 Rebecca rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, mystery, reviewed, won

You can also read this review at Reflections on Reading Romance

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

I won this book from Goodreads First Reads program, which was a nice surprise, because I probably wouldn't have purchased it for myself if I had seen it on the shelf in the bookstore. (Note to publisher - that cover is HORRIBLE!!) Cheryl Crane is the daughter of actress Lana Turner, and there are semi-autobiographical touches throughout the book, which add an air of verisimilitude. I believe this is Ms. Crane’s f...more You can also read this review at Reflections on Reading Romance

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

I won this book from Goodreads First Reads program, which was a nice surprise, because I probably wouldn't have purchased it for myself if I had seen it on the shelf in the bookstore. (Note to publisher - that cover is HORRIBLE!!) Cheryl Crane is the daughter of actress Lana Turner, and there are semi-autobiographical touches throughout the book, which add an air of verisimilitude. I believe this is Ms. Crane’s first novel, although she has published other non-fiction works in the past. While there are a few glitches that detracted from my enjoyment of the mystery, Nikki Harper was a likeable character with a strong voice, and I'll definitely be looking forward to reading the next Nikki Harper mystery.

Hollywood realtor Nikki Harper is the daughter of 50s bombshell Victoria Bordeaux and is celebrating the recent sale of the white elephant mansion of TV has been actor, Rex March. But only a few days later, Rex March’s body is discovered in the bed of Nikki’s best friend and business partner, Jessica Martin. What makes the discovery so bizarre is that Rex supposedly died 6 months earlier in a fiery plane crash. Nikki finds herself trying to clear Jessica’s name, and as the investigation progresses, we meet some of Hollywood’s quirkiest characters. But Nikki soon begins to wonder if trying to clear Jessica’s name has attracted the killer’s attention to this realtor turned P.I.

There are many things to like about this mystery. Ms. Crane's writing is smooth and easy to read, and Nikki Harper's character is very likeable and down to earth. I love the relationship she has with her 50s movie star mother, Victoria Bordeaux and all the glimpses of old Hollywood glamour. Victoria and Nikki come across as real people you would want to spend time with, and Nikki’s friends and family make up a zany but loveable supporting cast. Also, you'll really enjoy Nikki's voice, which I think promises well for Ms. Crane's future novels.

I would have rated this book a 4 if it were not for a few small complaints. The first is that Nikki's best friend, Jessica, is really obnoxious. When Jessica is accused of murdering a former client and lover, Nikki immediately steps up to investigate what's going on, but Jessica is so unlikeable that it was hard for me to understand why Nikki would be her friend, much less such a loyal friend that she's willing to snoop around to clear her friend's name.

The second complaint is that there are small hints of a romantic relationship for Nikki, but these never really materialize into anything. If the relationship is going to be important, I would like it to be a more central part of Nikki's life. If it's not, then I'm not sure the character even needs to be included, because his presence doesn't add much to the narrative arc.

All of that aside, this was a pleasant read with a well thought-out mystery. Nikki Harper was such a likeable character that I kept turning the pages, and the secondary characters that make up her support system (her mother and several friends) were delightful.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 16, 2012 Wendy Hines rated it 4 of 5 stars

When Nikki Harper heard about Rex March's death by airplane, she was sympathetic. However, a few months after his funeral, she acquired a new client, Edith March. Edith wants to sell the monstrosity of a mansion she and Rex owned, and she wants Nikki to be her realtor.

Nikki is the daughter of golden age screen star, Victoria Bordeaux. She's wealthy in her own right and doesn't need to work, but she enjoys what she does. She and her partner, Jessica Martin, make their living selling real estate...more

like · see review

Nov 04, 2011 LJ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: amateur_sleuth, contemporary_post_1945, female_author, california, mystery, so_cal_la

First Sentence: Nikki Harper snagged a Norwegian salmon canapé from a silver tray as a server passed her.
Nikki Harper is the daughter of a Hollywood legend, Victoria Bordeaux, inherited enough money from her late father that she need never work and yet supports herself selling real estate in Hollywood with her friend, Jessica Martin. One of their recent sales was the house of Edith March. Originally, they worked for Edith’s husband, Rex until he died in a small plane crash eight months ago, his...more First Sentence: Nikki Harper snagged a Norwegian salmon canapé from a silver tray as a server passed her.
Nikki Harper is the daughter of a Hollywood legend, Victoria Bordeaux, inherited enough money from her late father that she need never work and yet supports herself selling real estate in Hollywood with her friend, Jessica Martin. One of their recent sales was the house of Edith March. Originally, they worked for Edith’s husband, Rex until he died in a small plane crash eight months ago, his body never recovered. Or at least Rex was thought to have died. Now Rex, who clearly had not died in a plane crash, has turned up clearly murdered, naked for gold lamé bikini briefs, in Jessica’s bed and she is the prime suspect in his murder. Nikki, who knows her friend is innocent but is afraid the police won’t look further than Jessica, is determined to provide her friend is innocent.
New authors are always advised to “write what you know” and Ms. Crane followed that adage to good end. Author Cheryl Crane does sell real estate in Palm Springs. She is also the daughter of real Hollywood actress and legend Lana Turner, whose second husband was stabbed to death and for which Cheryl pled guilty. The case was ruled as justifiable homicide as Crane was protecting her mother from a man who was known to be violent and abusive. However, rather than this being a dark and bitter book, it is absolutely delightful.
There are three critical elements for which I look when I read: characters, dialogue and plot. Ms Crane scored very high marks on all the points.
In contrast to the setting of the rich and famous, Nikki is a delightful protagonist. In spite of her collection of high-end watches, she drives a Prius, doesn’t generally wear designer shoes or clothes and is self-supporting. Although, due to her upbringing, she is connected to the Hollywood glitterati, she’s seen behind the screen and isn’t impressed. This is refreshing for although the book is filled with famous names and labels, you realize these are simply part of the character’s life more than being there to impress. Nikki’s mother, Victoria, is an absolute gem. She is Hollywood nobility but with good sense and an understanding of the importance of treating everyone with respect. The relationship between them is a realistic combination of love, affection, frustration and exasperation.
Crane has an excellent ear for dialogue. It’s natural, crisp, often funny and occasionally touching. The only weakness was in trying to capture the sound of a deep Southern accent in print. It slowed down the pace of reading and just didn’t really work.
The plot was so well done. Crane uses Nikki’s background, similar to Crane’s own, to explain her distrust of the police and why she felt compelled to investigate the murder. She followed the clues, worked with others, and never came up as TSTL (too stupid to live). She did a wonderful job creating plot twists and red herrings without their ever feeling contrived or awkward. Even if you think you know the killer, you’re not at all certain until the very end.
The story is refreshing in that there is almost no profanity but neither is it so sweet it makes your teeth hurt. The language is occasionally euphemistic rather than profane and the story is without either graphic sex or violence. It will be interesting to see Ms. Crane develop as a writer and Nikki develop as a character.
“THE BAD ALWAYS DIE TWICE” is a very good book multiple generations of readers could enjoy, and should so do.

THE BAD ALWAYS DIE TWICE (Ama Sleuth-Nikki Harper-Los Angeles-Cont) - VG
Crane, Cheryl – 1st in series
New York: Kensington Books, ©2011

(less)

1 like · like · see review

Oct 20, 2011 Lori rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hollywood, mystery, worth-every-minute

As a devout and obsessive reader, I am always delighted to discover a new author and/or a new series that I can follow. While author Cheryl Crane is not new to me (her autobiographical account Detour is fascinating and de rigeur Hollywood reading), her new series involving realtor and intrepid detective Nikki Harper is. And if The Bad Always Die Twice is any indication, the series will be a wonderfully pleasing diversion that any reader can eagerly revel in.

I'm not certain which aspect of The B...more As a devout and obsessive reader, I am always delighted to discover a new author and/or a new series that I can follow. While author Cheryl Crane is not new to me (her autobiographical account Detour is fascinating and de rigeur Hollywood reading), her new series involving realtor and intrepid detective Nikki Harper is. And if The Bad Always Die Twice is any indication, the series will be a wonderfully pleasing diversion that any reader can eagerly revel in.

I'm not certain which aspect of The Bad Always Die Twice I liked better - - the amateur sleuthing or the classic Hollywood connection. The sleuthing, performed with a stealth like grace by heroine Nikki, was entertaining, breath stopping and nervewracking. Nikki proved to be a feisty character, a tenacious lady who appears to live by the motto "all things are possible". She simply cannot be kept down and she doesn't give up. I immensely enjoyed her as a heroine; she was smart, quick and self sufficient and established herself quickly as a very devoted friend and daughter.

But let's talk about Nikki's mother, the regal, classy and very indomitable Victoria Bordeaux. Victoria was a 1950s movie actress, a sexy siren who still lives her every day as the very elegent star she was once was (and still is for many fans). I absolutely and positively loved her with the passion of a thousand suns. Maybe it was due to author Cheryl Crane's own famous mother but throughout the book, I visualized Lana Turner as Victoria Bordeaux and just thrilled at every scene that included her. To say that Victoria was a scene stealer would be a drastic understatement - - this lady owned every page she was on!

Between these two incredible female characters is indeed a mystery, a "whodunit?", that is clever and will keep you guessing until the end. I was surprised by the reveal, not disappointed in the least, and gratified that Ms. Crane didn't insert characters/plots/red herrings that did not pay off in the end.

Despite being a realtor herself in her "other" life, Ms. Crane is a very adept and able writer. The dialogue is fresh, not forced or stilted, and the characters are a fun panorama of L.A. area residents. Purveyors of home and garden goods will love the references to property amenities while fashion junkies will excite to the designer handbags and shoes. The pages will fly by as you read The Bad Always Die Twice and, if you are like me, you will be left anxious to return to the glamorous Victoria Bordeaux and her Movie Nights with daughter Nikki and her two beloved dogs. The Bad Always Die Twice is the kind of book that you simply won't be able to put down, nor will you want to. Highly recommended and I would beg of Ms. Crane to please include generous doses of Victoria Bordeaux in future books!

Review Copyright © Psychotic State Book Reviews
http://www.psychoticstate.net (less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 08, 2012 Star (The Bibliophilic Book Blog) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Nicki Harper, daughter of screen goddess Victoria Bordeaux, gets caught up in a mystery when her best friend and business partner, Jessica, is accused of murder. Rex March died a few months ago in a plane crash, but then he turns up in Jessica’s bed dead as a doornail. Now Nicki is out to prove Jessica’s innocence and keep her real estate business going at the same time. Nicki is interviewing the people close to Rex and once the pieces start to come together, is she putting herself in danger of...more

like · see review

Sep 23, 2011 Nancy Narma rated it 4 of 5 stars

"A Heady Blend of Elegance, Murder and Intrigue"

Nikki Harper wears many hats; Beloved Daughter of Screen Star, Victoria Bordeaux, Real Estate Broker and Partner of promiscuous Jessica Martin, and Girlfriend of widower, Jeremy. After the sale of wealthy Edith March’s Outpost Estates Mansion, due to the death two months earlier of Edith’s philandering Husband and former TV Star, Rex March in a plane crash, Edith threw a lavish Farewell Party to bid goodbye to her old life, mansion and …Rex. Nikk...more "A Heady Blend of Elegance, Murder and Intrigue"

Nikki Harper wears many hats; Beloved Daughter of Screen Star, Victoria Bordeaux, Real Estate Broker and Partner of promiscuous Jessica Martin, and Girlfriend of widower, Jeremy. After the sale of wealthy Edith March’s Outpost Estates Mansion, due to the death two months earlier of Edith’s philandering Husband and former TV Star, Rex March in a plane crash, Edith threw a lavish Farewell Party to bid goodbye to her old life, mansion and …Rex. Nikki ,Jessica and Victoria all attended the celebrity-studded affair. It was later that evening, while at her Mother’s home, that Nikki received a hysterical phone call from Jessica, saying Rex March’s dead body was not missing in the desert, but was in her bed!! And the police have her pegged as a prime suspect!! Nikki responds to Jessica’s distress call and “dons” another cap—that of amateur P.I. and digs for clues to prove Jessica’s innocence and to discover who did murder the now-truly-deceased Rex March and why. Nikki leaves no stone unturned as she investigates many mysterious, dark avenues concerning Rex and his acquaintances. She wanted to make sure the police didn’t miss a clue like they had in her late Father’s murder. But who wanted Rex dead? Who would benefit the most? Who would want to frame Jessica? Edith March? The woman scorned more times than you have fingers, as well as being the widow trying to start a new life with a “New Love”?? Edith’s “Boy-Toy”, Thompson Christopher, who everyone wondered about his ulterior motives where Edith is concerned? Tiffany Matthews; the Southern Belle/Waitress who had received promises of love and tropical island life from Rex?? Rex’s unscrupulous lawyer and agent, Alex Ramirez, who only had his own interests at heart, instead of his clients’? Ms. Crane has woven a tale of intrigue with a generous sprinkling of the elegant “Golden Age of the Silver Screen”, that will keep you guessing right up to the last chapter. I’m truly looking forward to the next Nikki Harper adventure. Nancy Narma

(less)

like · see review

Sep 07, 2011 Nora-adrienne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cozies, mystery

The Bad Always Die Twice
By Cheryl Crane
Copyright August 2011
Publisher Kensington

For Nikki Harper, realtor to the stars and daughter of 1950s screen goddess Victoria Bordeaux, Hollywood is home. A completely dysfunctional home populated by a cast of crazies, true, but home nonetheless. While Nikki's no stranger to scandal, she's shocked to receive a hysterical phone call from her business partner, Jessica Martin, saying that TV has-been Rex March has been found dead in Jessica's bed.
More shocki...more The Bad Always Die Twice
By Cheryl Crane
Copyright August 2011
Publisher Kensington

For Nikki Harper, realtor to the stars and daughter of 1950s screen goddess Victoria Bordeaux, Hollywood is home. A completely dysfunctional home populated by a cast of crazies, true, but home nonetheless. While Nikki's no stranger to scandal, she's shocked to receive a hysterical phone call from her business partner, Jessica Martin, saying that TV has-been Rex March has been found dead in Jessica's bed.
More shocking than Rex's death is the fact that, as far as anyone knew, Rex was already dead. Six months ago, the star of the seventies sitcom Shipwrecked Vacation was supposedly killed when his plane crashed in the Mojave Desert. Nikki and Jessica recently sold his mansion on behalf of his widow, Edith. It's obvious to Nikki that Jessica is being framed, but by whom? And why? And how on earth can Rex be dead a second time?
In search of answers, Nikki turns to the one person she can always count on. From her pink boudoir in her Beverly Hills mansion, the ever-glamorous Victoria suggests Nikki focus her sleuthing on Rex's not-so-grieving widow. And there's a veritable casting couch full of other candidates, including Edith's boy-toy lover, Rex's scheming lawyer (like there's any other kind), and the diner waitress with whom Rex was having one of his numerous affairs. But with the killer readying for a repeat performance, Nikki will have to act fast—before her own screen fades to black. . .
Nicolette Harper was raised in the middle of the Hollywood hype, her mother a world famous movie star. Now, Nikki Harper, all grown up, and not needing to work for a living, spends her time selling high end homes in the Hollywood and Beverly Hills Real Estate business. She partners with her best friend Jessica Martin and between them they enjoy their work and the people they meet.
Nikki and Jessica are at a party hosted by Edith March, the widow of TV has – been Rex March, whose house they had sold for her. Nikki is not a party person and as soon as she’s talked to her hostess, and seen her mother make her famous entrance she’s off and heading home to take care of her two dogs. Little knowing that she is going to be drawn into a murder that will dredge up her feelings about her own father’s murder years ago and her distrust of the police in finding the killer. The biggest question of course is Rex died in a plane crash, how can his newly dead body turn up on Jessica’s bed.
This is the first book in Cheryl Crane’s new real estate murder mysteries. I wouldn’t quite call them cozies. I would call them well written, reader involved, and a book you won’t want to put down till you finish it.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher with their hope that I would read it and write a review.
(less)

like · see review

Sep 04, 2011 The Pen & Muse added it

Crane writes a wonderful crime drama and really gets you into the time period along with it. I’m a fan of the early 1950s. The story surrounds that of 1950s TV star Rex March. He is found dead in the bed of realtor Jessica Martin. Jessica is well known for her romps with the hunky men, but she is even more stunned to find him in her bed. He’s been missing for six months! The police name her the prime suspect.

Jessica’s partner Nikki Harper, helps to investigate. Nikki is the daughter of movie leg...more

like · see review

Aug 27, 2011 Toni rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kensington-arcs

I'm giving "The Bad Always Die Twice" 3.5 stars.

Mystery is normally not my normal read, but I thought I would dip my toes into the water anyways. I was very pleasantly surprised! While mystery will not likely be my favorite genre, I did enjoy "The Bad Always Die Twice". With every page I had a new suspect in my head and Ms. Crane kept me guessing all the way up to the end.

Not too many people missed Rex March when he died the first time around and even less the second time. He was a philanderer...more I'm giving "The Bad Always Die Twice" 3.5 stars.

Mystery is normally not my normal read, but I thought I would dip my toes into the water anyways. I was very pleasantly surprised! While mystery will not likely be my favorite genre, I did enjoy "The Bad Always Die Twice". With every page I had a new suspect in my head and Ms. Crane kept me guessing all the way up to the end.

Not too many people missed Rex March when he died the first time around and even less the second time. He was a philanderer and the world basically said good riddance. He was a one hit wonder who was living off an old 1970’s family comedy. Ego is the only thing Rex had and he had that in abundance. His first death was ruled as a freak accident, but his second was murder. It’s up to Nikki Harper to figure out who did it, because she knows her friend Jessica sure didn’t do it.

Nikki is the daughter of the fifties screen goddess, actress Victoria Bordeaux. Always in her mother shadow, Nikki is just fine with that and enjoys her life as a real estate agent to the stars. Being the daughter of the actress does have its perks though and sales are one of them.

Jessica Martin is a known man eater. She is a love them and use them type, not a murderer. So when Jessica comes home after a daylong real estate seminar and finds Rex, dead in her bed, she calls her best friend Nikki for support and help.

Suspects are endless; Edith March – the wife, Thompson Christopher - the wife’s new boy toy, Alex Ramirez - the slimy lawyer, Tiffany Mathews - the young jilted lover and countless others. Nikki has her hands full discovering the truth.

"The Bad Always Die Twice" is a well written mystery. Ms. Crane will keep you guessing and I enjoyed how she intertwined current events and celebrities into her story. I’m not sure if it was Ms. Crane’s intention, but the constant noting of product name dropping, stood out to me. It said to me that L.A. was extremely materialistic and in the end almost was a subplot all its own.

I really enjoyed the interaction between Nikki and her mother, Victoria. She made Victoria a real person to me. While Victoria was all glimmer and glamour, I relished in her human side. I had several laugh out loud moments with her antics. I can see myself continuing to read about Nikki’s adventures just to see what her mother is up to.

"The Bad Always Die Twice" is a decadent decent into the underbelly of glamorous Hollywood. Gossip is never ending and secrets never stay hidden for long. So grab a drink and put on your Jimmy Choos, because you want to be styling when you step into Ms. Crane’s world.
(less)

like · see review

Aug 29, 2011 Bea rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-mystery-suspense-reading-cha, bea-s-book-nook, read-in-2011, arc, reviews, 100-book-in-a-year-reading-challeng, mystery

I admit, I was curious to see what Ms Crane would come up with. She has a heck of a back story of her own and there are certain similarities between the main character and Ms Crane. There's a saying for writers, "Write what you know" and Ms Crane took that to heart. She sets the story in Hollywood, the lead is a daughter of blond bombshell movie star and there are vague references to her father being murdered and hints that she may have been involved. That said, Ms Crane used those familiar even...more I admit, I was curious to see what Ms Crane would come up with. She has a heck of a back story of her own and there are certain similarities between the main character and Ms Crane. There's a saying for writers, "Write what you know" and Ms Crane took that to heart. She sets the story in Hollywood, the lead is a daughter of blond bombshell movie star and there are vague references to her father being murdered and hints that she may have been involved. That said, Ms Crane used those familiar events and places to write a story all her own.

The blurb describes the story as "partly the glitz and glamour of Jackie Collins novels and partly the LA streets of hard-boiled James Ellroy." I'm not a fan of hard boiled detective mysteries so I had some qualms about how well I'd enjoy this; to be honest, I didn't find it to be a hard boiled mystery at all but more Joan Collins writes a cozy mystery set in Hollywood. That's an odd sounding blend, I grant you, but it works.

It has all the earmarks of a cozy, except that it's set in the big city of Hollywood: a female lead who is not a law and order professional, likable characters, eccentric or slightly unusual secondary characters, somewhat fast paced with twists and turns (there were a number of red herrings throughout the story), a good friend with access to police reports (I really hope that we'll see more of Marshall and Rob in future books. I loved them!) and no graphic violence, no profanity (there was one crude, but very funny and quite descriptive sentence, but overall, a "clean" book), and no explicit sex.

Nikki, despite her background and her comfortable lifestyle, really seems like she could easily be your next door neighbor or the woman you say hi to each morning at the coffee shop. She has a level head and is very loyal. It's that loyalty that sets her investigation in motion. She's worried about her friend and co-worker Jessica being charged with murder and she doesn't trust the police so she conducts her own investigation. Crane hints at the reasons for Nikki's distrust but keeps it vague; I found that frustrating at times as that distrust is key to Nikki's investigation. I am hoping that she will address it more directly in the next book.

Nikki quickly realizes that conducting a murder investigation is hard work and she doesn't know what she's doing. Fortunately, she's open to advice and willing to ask for help. Her mother, semi-retired movie star Victoria Bordeaux, is against Nikki's involvment, as it would be scandalous, but that doesn't stop her from helping. Indeed at one point, she nearly takes over. Nikki doesn't hesitate to make use of her fame, her mother's fame, or her mother's connections to clear her friend's name.

Victoria borders at times on being stereotypical but then Crane will flesh her out with little details; my favorite was the telephone conversation between her and the 80 year old grandmother of one of Nikki's informants. Victoria manages to be gracious and down to earth at the same time, trading recipes even as she admits that she's never made potato salad and will have her housekeeper do it.

Crane has a light, easy writing style and manages to drop the occasional brand name or celebrity name while still keeping the story from feeling trendy or dated. That could be a problem with a series set in Hollywood but she avoided it.

The story dragged a little at times, mostly in the middle and the ending was a let down. The final confrontations are very staged and suffer from deux a machina. During the course of the story I kept changing my mind about who the murderer was but I kept going back to one name and it turned out that I was right. Crane takes a circuitous route, with twists and turns and red herrings and just when you think you've figured it out, WHAM! another surprise.

This was a pleasant, engrossing, enjoyable book and I'm looking forward to more in this series.

I received this ARC from the publisher for review. (less)

like · see review

Oct 20, 2011 Jo (My House of Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

As a person formerly addicted to Hollywood gossip blogs, I really liked the nudge-nudge-wink-wink effect of The Bad Always Die Twice. The scene was set; the players were all in place; the posh addresses referenced therein. Once the narrative began, I was surprised by how much I wanted Nikki to find the real murderer. Add in her mother, Victoria Bordeaux, a name and face whom everyone in Hollywood knows, and Nikki is able to use her minor celebrity status to play amateur sleuth. The twists and tu...more

like · see review

Sep 19, 2011 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery

As the daughter of Hollywood star Lana Turner, Cheryl Crane has some big stilettos to fill, and so does her protagonist Nikki Harper, herself the daughter of a Golden-Era screen goddess. However, though Crane is clearly taking some inspiration from life, one can only hope that the similarities end quite there: Nikki finds herself confronting more dead bodies and slimy wealthy types than anyone should ever have to deal with.

Click here to read the review of this review.

like · see review

Sep 09, 2012 Kristenia rated it 4 of 5 stars

So I didn't so much read it as I listened to it in an audio book. I still considering it counting as having read it. Anyways...

I loved this story plot. It kept me guessing until the very end as to who the killer was. I enjoyed the mix of ritzy/glamorous Hollywood life and the blue collar characters. It was interesting to imagine both sides of the train tracks meeting in the middle and sometimes crossing over.

A little bit amateur detective with nosy socialites equals clever with a bit of danger.

like · see review

Nov 09, 2011 Jane rated it 3 of 5 stars

Loved it - so Hollywood. Cheryl Crane - daughter of Lana Turner - has been through her own tarnished history. But she takes that history and incorporates it into her novel about Nikki Harper - real estate seller - daughter of a retired movie queen - and friend of the accused. Her efforts to save her friend by investigating the crime on her own take her through different layers of the Tinseltown life. By adding some people we know with her fictional characters this is a fun mystery.

like · see review

Aug 17, 2012 Amblingbooks.com marked it as to-read

Shelves: audiobook, mystery-detective

"Cheryl Crane has written a superb mystery: rich in milieu, deep in plot twists, constant in the exercise of suspense and surprise. This book is a veritable primer on why people read and love crime fiction." � James Ellroy

Listen to The Bad Always Die Twice on your iPhone, desktop, or smartphone.

like · see review

Dec 01, 2011 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-california

Hollywood real estate agent Nikki Harper simply has to help out when a body is found in the bed of her business partner. What makes the whole event even weirder is that the dead man was reported killed months ago, in a plane crash. Fortunately, Nikki can call on her mother, a retired Hollywood superstar, for help. Crane is, of course, the daughter of screen legend Lana Turner.

like · see review

Dec 12, 2012 Elise Hamilton rated it 3 of 5 stars

Cheryl Crane is a neighbor, the daugther of Lana Turner, and is famous in her own right. I read her personal story many years ago and was surprised to learn she writes fiction---mysteries, specifically. Crane is no P.D. James, but writes an entertaining mystery. I'll likely read the next Nikki Harper mystery.

like · see review

Jul 21, 2012 Dylan Justice rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I won a whole lot of mystery/detective novels on Goodreads' Giveaways, and I'll go ahead and admit, it is not my favorite genre. I was happy I read this one though because first and foremost, the main character was a woman which you do not find in the majority of these types of books. I definitely thought the storyline was entertaining and the characters were colorful, especially Jessica's next door neighbor. Not being the type of person to reveal any major details about a book, I'll just say th...more

like · see review

Sep 30, 2012 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery

An okay read, but nothing that got me excited.

First and foremost, I think it is important for people to know that author Cheryl Crane is actress, Lana Turner's daughter, in real life and while this book is a Mystery (Fiction), it does seem to be a bit autobiographical in nature. Crane has a famous mother, Nikki Harper (protagonist) has a famous mother. Crane works in real estate in California, as does Nikki Harper.

Anyways, nothing real new here in the wonderful world of mysteries. A man who supp...more

like · see review

Apr 11, 2012 Petula Darling rated it 3 of 5 stars

I basically liked this book and I hope to read more in the series, however the way the main character behaved during the final chapters made me want to pull my hair out.

like · see review

Sep 15, 2012 Meg rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery

The cover is not this book... a bit odd in its setting and trying to like the characters. However, it worked for me as a book to listen to while I worked out.

like · see review

Oct 30, 2011 Dona rated it 2 of 5 stars

Just OK. I understand this is going to be a continuing character (Nikki Harper) daughter of a retired famous filmstar (interesting because of course Cheryl Crane is the daughter of Lana Turner.) I doubt if I'll read any more from her.

like · see review

Jun 23, 2012 Deyara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: c-read-for-a-challenge-rrrc, xc-read-in-2012, contemporary, crime-mystery, dogs, fame, setting-hollywood

Fun mystery - I liked Nikki a lot, and her mother is great. Good mystery, and loved the murder weapon!

like · see review

Jan 04, 2013 Arzella rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cheryl Crane delivers a great mystery and well crafted engaging characters. I never saw the ending.

like · see review

Oct 31, 2012 Lesley rated it 3 of 5 stars

The bad always die twice by Cheryl Crane was worth the time to read it. It was interesting and kept your attention with all the hollywood glitz etc . I would read her next mystery "Imitation of Death" so I guess I would give it a thumbs up.

like · see review

Sep 27, 2012 Charlotte marked it as to-read

WHAT IS IT WITH SUPER-SLEUTHS NAMED NIKKI?

like · see review

Jan 23, 2013 Libby rated it 3 of 5 stars

It was ok. A little slow at times

like · see review

Dec 18, 2011 Carole added it

First time I have read this author and will read Cheryl Crane again.

like · see review

title link	preview: The Bad Always Die Twice
avg rating	preview: The Bad Always Die Twice Goodreads rating: 3.33 (85 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9613446-the-bad-always-die-twice?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348934242l/9613446.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9613446-the-bad-always-die-twice?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Bad Always Die Twice by Cheryl Crane[/url]

The Bad Always Die Twice (Nikki Harper Mysteries #1)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (9)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Cheryl Crane

Books by Cheryl Crane

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About The Bad Always Di...